Scroll Top
19th Ave New York, NY 95822, USA
Join Now

professionals

professionals

INDUSTRY LEADERS AND PROFESSIONALS

Colorado needs you. You have the power to start conversations, raise awareness, and save lives by responsibly using Extreme Risk Protection Orders.

WHO CAN FILE AN EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDER?

The law that created Extreme Risk Protection Orders was carefully written to prevent abuse or prejudice. Besides family members, ERPOs can only be petitioned for by select groups:

Law Enforcement Officers

Including police, sheriffs, and attorneys general.

Licensed Health Care Professionals

Including doctors, nurses and psychiatrists.

Licensed Mental Health Professionals

Including psychologists, social workers and addiction counselors.

Educators

Including teachers, administrators, and higher education professionals.

District Attorneys

Find resources and a tailored e-learning for health care and mental health professionals.

Explore

WHAT’S AN EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDER?

Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) are a legal form of temporary out-of-home gun storage that restricts access to guns for individuals who have demonstrated that they’re at risk for harming themselves or others.

Learn More
A graphic of a toolbox holding a hammer, wrench, screwdriver, and pliers, with a blue tag labeled ERPO attached to the toolbox.

HOW TO PROMOTE GUN SAFETY

Health Care and Mental Health Professionals
Take the free e-learning training designed to help health care and mental health professionals feel equipped and confident when considering whether to file an Extreme Risk Protection Order as a tool to prevent gun violence. Earn one hour of CME (Continuing Medical Education)/CE (Continuing Education) credit.
Take the course for health care and mental health professionals.
Learn more about ERPOs and access a toolkit that can be used to share information with others in your field.
Visit the page. Bold black icon of two interlocked chain links, tilted diagonally on a white background.
A healthcare provider in a white coat writes on a clipboard while a patient sits across from them.
Educators
Free trainings from the Colorado Department of Law help K-12 and higher education professionals recognize warning signs, work within existing safety and threat-assessment processes, and understand the Extreme Risk Protection Order process. A separate 30-minute add-on module addresses how educators can respond to teen dating violence when firearm access may increase the risk of harm. Explore the educator trainings on the Department of Law website Bold black icon of two interlocked chain links, tilted diagonally on a white background.. Educators may also access select trainings through COTRAIN to earn continuing education credit.
Take the course for educators.
An open notebook sits on a classroom desk next to a cup of colored pencils and a stack of books topped with a red apple, with blurred rows of desks in the background.
Be a leader in your community.

Talk to your community about gun safety and personal responsibility when owning or handling firearms. Be a resource to your community. Let them know you are to answer questions or hear concerns.

A healthcare worker gently holds a patients hand, conveying comfort and support. The patient’s hands rest on top, while the worker wears blue scrubs and a stethoscope. Only their hands and arms are visible.
Share your knowledge. Start a conversation.

If you slowly spread the word about safe gun storage and responsible shooting, you’ll help start a movement that will save lives in Colorado.

A man holding a tablet smiles and talks to two women, one with a backpack, in a brightly lit room with large windows and white walls.

GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION TIPS

Learn More

Mental Health Awareness

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to recognize how secure firearm storage can save lives.

Studies show that nearly half of suicide attempts happen within 10 minutes of a person deciding to act.

Storing your firearm in a locked container creates a vital time buffer. This delay can create enough time for a crisis to pass or for someone to seek help.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7. You can confidentially call or text the 988 lifeline, or visit 988colorado.com for support.

A Tool to Help a High-Risk Moment

In a high-risk moment when someone is at risk of harming themselves or others, creating time and distance can save lives. An Extreme Risk Protection Order can help make that possible by temporarily removing access to firearms so that someone can get the help and support they need.

Learn more about ERPOs https://letstalkgunscolorado.com/extreme-risk-protection-orders/.

How to Check-In with a Loved One

Checking in with a friend, family member, or neighbor might not come naturally or feel easy, but it can make a meaningful difference.

If you notice someone struggling, take a second to check in. A quick text, a phone call, or just a simple “Hey, how are you doing?” the next time you see them can make a huge difference.

Use the conversation starters in this post to help guide what to say and make that first step a little easier.

ERPOs May Help Prevent Tragedy

When someone shows signs of harming themselves or others, an Extreme Risk Protection Order may help prevent tragedy.

If someone is showing extreme emotional distress, acting recklessly with a firearm, or escalating threats, it may be time to consider additional safety measures.

An Extreme Risk Protection Order can temporarily pause firearm access during a crisis to help prevent tragedy and create time for support and recovery.

Learn how Extreme Risk Protection Orders can help save lives at https://letstalkgunscolorado.com/extreme-risk-protection-orders/

Two people ride a ski lift above a snowy, tree-lined mountain slope. A large speech bubble on the image reads, How do you secure your gun?.
Two people sit on a ski lift over a snowy slope surrounded by trees. A speech bubble in Spanish asks, “¿Cómo guardas tu arma de fuego?” and a blue box below reads, “COLORADO Hablemos de Armas.”.
The responsibility of gun safety can continue long after you’ve finished using and storing your firearm. Talking about gun safety with those around you can make a difference in preventing unintentional gun injuries.
Two people sit on grass in the mountains, seen from behind. One has a blanket over their shoulders. A speech bubble above them says, You own a gun, right?.
Two people sit on grassy terrain facing distant mountains under a cloudy sky. A speech bubble above them reads ¿Cómo la guardas? in Spanish.
Gun safety is a complex issue that can be hard to talk about with others. Let’s come together and find common ground to talk about preventing gun violence. We can unite to create a safer Colorado.

Is it an emergency?

Dial 911 for immediate assistance.

A blue triangle with an exclamation mark inside is in front of a semicircular gauge or speedometer, also in blue, suggesting a warning or alert related to performance or levels.